Incredible season

After a remarkable turnaround season for the Southeast Missouri State University football team, the Redhawks fell to Eastern Washington in the second round of the FCS playoffs Saturday.

While the loss at Eastern Washington was a disappointing end to the season, there's no denying the success of this year's squad. This year's playoff berth and Ohio Valley Conference Championship were both a first in the program's history.

The Redhawks can also be proud of some individual awards and record breaking seasons.

Coach Tony Samuel was named the Ohio Valley Conference coach of the year and the American Football Coaches Association Region 3 coach of the year. Samuel is also one of 20 finalists for the Eddie Robinson Award, an honor going to the FCS national coach of the year.

Receiving the OVC offensive player of the year award was running back Henry Harris. Harris, who broke five single-season school records while also breaking the program's single-game rushing mark, is the first Southeast player to win the award. He was also a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, an award recognizing the nation's top offensive player.

Southeast had 10 players receive all-conference awards this year, eight receiving first-team distinction.

Congratulations, Redhawks, on an incredible season.